Rally to Save the David Dunlap Observatory and Park

Richmond Hill residents and students demonstrated in Queens Park Wednesday afternoon to save the David Dunlap Observatory and Park from being sold off to developers.

Protestors say the property is an important park of Canadian heritage.

"The Dunlap Observatory is an icon for all of Canada," said Gloria, protestor and U of T alumni.

"It's our park to begin with," says Marianne Yake, President of Richmond Hill Naturalists. "It's part of our landscape and we are hoping we can encourage Queens Park to step up and look at this internationally renowned facility that can continue to do science and operate as a park."

The facility is owned by the University of Toronto and was put up for sale last November. University officials say the park has outlived its usefulness but astronomers disagree.

"The observatory is at its prime right now," says Dr. Ian Shelton, Astronomer. "It's never been better and it's doing better science than its ever been designed to do."

The more than 70-year-old Observatory in Richmond Hill was where scientist first discovered black holes and is still home of the largest optical telescope in Canada.

Demonstrators said if the Observatory gets sold, it would mean forcing out the wildlife and astronomers who conduct their research on the land.

"It would just a terrible loss of the communities only remaining green space", said Debra Chute, protestor and member of the Richmond Hill Naturalists.

The Richmond Hill Naturalists are pressing case before the Conservation Review Board to preserve the park under the Ontario Heritage Act as a cultural and natural heritage site.

The Naturalists are requesting the public to write or e-mail politicians, to learn about the park by hiking it with them Saturdays, to sign petitions and to support them financially to their legal case.

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